Suspension work and cutting coils??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

>X< · 08-24-2002, 04:15 PM

since my 71 step is stripped and about to get shaved and primed, i am rebuilding the front suspension, it squeaks worse than anything, what part should i get from the parts store for a complete rebuild, this will be my first time doing this to a truck on my own, since i am not spending al ot of money on my 71 to save for my 72, i am gonna cut the coils to give it a better stance, i know this is crap but i realy dont want to put any more moey than i have to into it. is there something i can measure to tell me if i already have drop springs, he truck came with a 6 stock and now has an 8, i measured to the sidemarkers oneday and i think its 2 inches lower than stock already, how mych do i take off the springs? i want a slight rake, maybe 3 inches in front and 2 in back, thanks, sean

shortbed70 · 08-25-2002, 11:56 AM

In the front I would cut 1/4 of a coil then see where your at. The last thing you want to do is go to low. Dispite the kind words people say about cutting coils, if you cut then grind a flat spot on the coil you cut the ride is exatly the same. I cut mine on my 72 custom and it rides great, after I put spring spacers back in. I lowered mine 4/6 1 coil off front and coil and a half off back. still has about 2 in rake. Now I have a problem dragging the flows over speed bumps. Good luck.

Longhorn Man · 08-25-2002, 12:24 PM

One thing to keep in mind, after 2 inches of a drop with just springs, you start running into geomitry problems and bump steer.

>X< · 08-25-2002, 12:34 PM

so whats a safe, no problems, # of inches to cut? what do i use to cut them, didnt someone say that a torch wil damage them?

08-24-2002, 04:15 PM	#1
>X< registered IWATA user Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 4,481	Suspension work and cutting coils??? since my 71 step is stripped and about to get shaved and primed, i am rebuilding the front suspension, it squeaks worse than anything, what part should i get from the parts store for a complete rebuild, this will be my first time doing this to a truck on my own, since i am not spending al ot of money on my 71 to save for my 72, i am gonna cut the coils to give it a better stance, i know this is crap but i realy dont want to put any more moey than i have to into it. is there something i can measure to tell me if i already have drop springs, he truck came with a 6 stock and now has an 8, i measured to the sidemarkers oneday and i think its 2 inches lower than stock already, how mych do i take off the springs? i want a slight rake, maybe 3 inches in front and 2 in back, thanks, sean __________________ -'63 Ford Fairlane 500 coupe, v8, auto, faded and rusty. awaiting built roller 302 and some flat black -'99 Honda Prelude. vtech/5spd. no pipe, no intake, bone stock. awaiting new top end. -01 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3 dented and scratched with a noisy tranny. Take off that Von Dutch hat before i stab you with a 000 Mack.

08-25-2002, 11:56 AM	#2
shortbed70 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Forney TX Posts: 4,512	In the front I would cut 1/4 of a coil then see where your at. The last thing you want to do is go to low. Dispite the kind words people say about cutting coils, if you cut then grind a flat spot on the coil you cut the ride is exatly the same. I cut mine on my 72 custom and it rides great, after I put spring spacers back in. I lowered mine 4/6 1 coil off front and coil and a half off back. still has about 2 in rake. Now I have a problem dragging the flows over speed bumps. Good luck. __________________ Troy 1965 Chevy Bagged,361 sbc,voodoo cam,1.5 full roller rockers,patriot 185cc vortec heads 2.02-1.60,vortec weiand polished intake,demon carb my truckhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=332884 Big Red Dog build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=572274

08-25-2002, 12:34 PM	#4
>X< registered IWATA user Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 4,481	so whats a safe, no problems, # of inches to cut? what do i use to cut them, didnt someone say that a torch wil damage them? __________________ -'63 Ford Fairlane 500 coupe, v8, auto, faded and rusty. awaiting built roller 302 and some flat black -'99 Honda Prelude. vtech/5spd. no pipe, no intake, bone stock. awaiting new top end. -01 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3 dented and scratched with a noisy tranny. Take off that Von Dutch hat before i stab you with a 000 Mack.

08-25-2002, 12:24 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	One thing to keep in mind, after 2 inches of a drop with just springs, you start running into geomitry problems and bump steer.



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